Multi-objective optimisation for wind resistant air-cooled condenser operation

A multi-objective optimisation using a genetic algorithm combined with a surrogate modelling approach was used to identify optimal wind mitigation solutions for 3 x 6 cell air-cooled condenser (ACC), typical of a 100 MW thermal power plant. General guidelines on how to optimally combine a cruciform screen, perimeter screen and solid walkway were identified by finding the Pareto-optimal front considering both overall ACC thermal per-formance and maximum fan blade dynamic loading. The combination of a cruciform screen and a walkway is always recommended. The cruciform screen should have a height of 0.35 <= Hcs / Hp <= 0.50 and a solidity of 0.75 <= alpha cs <= 1.0. The width of the walkway should be within 0.30 <= Lww/ df <= 0.50. A perimeter screen is only recommended if dynamic blade loading is expected to be a significant issue. For a permanent perimeter screen, the solidity should be alpha ps approximate to 0.4 with a screen height between 0.6 <= Hps / Hp <= 1.0. A mitigation solution within these ranges was able to improve the ACC average thermal effectiveness by up to 19 % under high wind con-ditions and reduce the blade loading by 22 %, thus resulting in a robust wind effect mitigation solution and ultimately greater annual condenser reliability.